Kinston High teacher resigns amid investigation

Published: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 08:51 PM.

Nearly 30 Kinston High School students allegedly gave money to their teacher who promised a presidential inauguration trip that never happened.

Students were charged $300 for the trip, although some didn’t pay full price, Kinston High Principal Angela Bryant said.

The Kinston Department of Public Safety is conducting a preliminary investigation, according to KDPS Ofc. Woody Spencer. The name of the teacher could not be disclosed.

“We are investigating a member of Kinston High School staff,” he said.

After suspicions about the Washington, D.C. trip were brought to Bryant on Jan. 2, the school investigated the teacher, who resigned Friday. Bryant said the situation was uncovered through word of mouth from the students.

“Essentially, the investigation led us to finding some things that were not done as we would’ve liked them to be done,” Bryant said Wednesday. “Our biggest concern was making sure that all monies were returned to students.”

Nearly 30 Kinston High School students allegedly gave money to their teacher who promised a presidential inauguration trip that never happened.

Students were charged $300 for the trip, although some didn’t pay full price, Kinston High Principal Angela Bryant said.

The Kinston Department of Public Safety is conducting a preliminary investigation, according to KDPS Ofc. Woody Spencer. The name of the teacher could not be disclosed.

“We are investigating a member of Kinston High School staff,” he said.

After suspicions about the Washington, D.C. trip were brought to Bryant on Jan. 2, the school investigated the teacher, who resigned Friday. Bryant said the situation was uncovered through word of mouth from the students.

“Essentially, the investigation led us to finding some things that were not done as we would’ve liked them to be done,” Bryant said Wednesday. “Our biggest concern was making sure that all monies were returned to students.”

Bryant said the school reimbursed all students and parents Wednesday.

“I did get wind of this when we got back from Christmas break, and I thought everything was handled,” Bryant said. “Our biggest concern was making sure that all monies were returned. Obviously, the trip did not happen.”

She said could not discuss details about why the trip did not occur.

Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.